Paz eyes police revamp

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Paz Radaza is considering reshuffling of police authorities in Lapu-Lapu City, citing their "ineffectiveness" in curbing crimes, particularly on illegal drug trade.

"Aron mo-aktibo sila, aron daghan ang madakpan (Maybe we reshuffle them so that they will be more active and more will be apprehended)," Radaza said, referring to the police.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Radaza said she had a meeting with Senior Supt. Armando Radoc, officer-in-charge of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, to hear of the police's monthly report.

"I keep on reminding them that ang na-apprehend kay mga ginagmay, which is okay ra man sad, ang kanang dinagko, duna lang unta'y team nga mo-apprehend anang nga tawhana (dealing drugs)," Radaza said.

The mayor also said crimes related to drugs have now reached the island barangays in Olango.

"Ang ako lang, nasagmuyo gyud ko nga to the point nga ang isla, wala baya na maabot og ingon ani sa drugs, pero karun daghan na (I'm disappointed to know that drugs have penetrated into the island barangays)," she said.

Radaza hopes that the police will strengthen their security force in arresting  drug peddlers, pointing out that most crime incidents take place due to prohibited drugs.

As the mayor expects optimistic efforts on the part of the city police, she also hopes that the regional police authorities can help them.

Radaza reiterated his call to the police to review and assess their actions in the past year so that they can improve in 2015.

Earlier, Radoc said his department will strengthen police security and anti-crime efforts, especially against drugs, after the mayor's "poor" assessment of LLCPO's performance.  (FREEMAN)